Timothy Liljegren could be considered the most crucial player on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ blue line. While Morgan Rielly undoubtedly remains the team’s top defenseman and Jake McCabe brings a unique combination of hitting, defensive skills, and top-line versatility, it is Liljegren who holds the highest significance.
Despite the recent addition of two new defensemen to the roster, Liljegren’s role stands out as the most vital. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to suggest that the team’s entire season could hinge on his performance and contributions.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Can Never Scratch Timothy Liljegren
The analysis you provided highlights the importance of defensemen who can efficiently move the puck in today’s game, as it contributes to offensive opportunities and reduces the amount of time spent defending. The use of analytics has shed light on the value of puck-moving abilities for defensemen.
Among the Toronto Maple Leafs’ blue-line players, Morgan Rielly is recognized as being proficient in moving the puck. On the other hand, Simon Benoit is identified as one of the weakest players in the NHL in this aspect. TJ Brodie, Joel Edmundson, Mark Giordano, and Ilya Lyubushkin are also mentioned as being poor at moving the puck, while Jake McCabe is considered below average. This leaves Rielly and Liljegren as the standout players in this regard, with Liljegren being one of the team’s best all-around defenders and their primary puck-mover. Additionally, Liljegren’s status as one of the team’s few right-handed defensemen further emphasizes his importance.
Liljegren’s inclusion in the lineup is supported by several factors. Firstly, his upside and potential as a top-pairing player have become increasingly evident this season. When Rielly was injured, Liljegren stepped up and performed exceptionally well, posting seven points in five games and achieving positive results. Despite previous playoff scratches by coach Sheldon Keefe, Liljegren’s improved performance and value make him an integral part of the team.
According to The Athletic’s Player Cards, Liljegren has an overall rating of +5, with his defensive contributions being a significant part of his value. This assessment suggests that Liljegren’s market value would be around $6.5 million, although he currently earns less than $2 million. His ability to drive play, maintain solid defensive performance, and consistently prove his worth in the lineup further solidify his importance to the team.
Notably, with Liljegren on the ice this season, the Leafs have achieved 53% of the shots and 55% of the dangerous scoring chances. Despite some unlucky outcomes, with the team only winning by a single goal during his minutes, Liljegren has a 52% expected goals rating.
In summary, considering the Leafs’ defensive lineup, it is crucial for them to have defensemen who can effectively move the puck. Liljegren has emerged as a key player in this regard, with strong performance and positive contributions to the team’s success. Consequently, it is deemed essential for the Leafs to retain Liljegren in the lineup, as his abilities significantly impact the team’s play and results.
If Timothy Liljegren is ever benched due to being healthy, it would be justifiable for everyone in the organization to be dismissed.
